Chapter Seven: The Greedy Second Miss

Spring Bud hurried forward upon seeing this. “Second Miss, what’s wrong with you?”

Chu Yue suddenly felt a chill sweep down her spine. She shivered involuntarily and quickly made her way back to her courtyard.

Spring Bud closed the door tightly, then brewed some hot tea and brought it to Chu Yue.

“Second Miss, have some hot tea to calm yourself.”

Chu Yue took a deep breath and lifted the teacup, sipping lightly. A warm current flowed through her body, gradually soothing the stiffness caused by her earlier fright.

Spring Bud’s face was full of concern. “Second Miss, are you feeling better? After the New Year, the wedding date will be set. You mustn’t mind others’ affairs anymore; focus on preparing for your marriage.”

Chu Yue put down the teacup. “Foolish girl, I’m planning for myself.”

Spring Bud replied, “But I feel like you’re just standing up for the eldest miss’s grievances.”

Chu Yue shook her head as she looked at Spring Bud. “There are only three daughters in the Marquis’s household, including Chu Xi who just returned. Qian Mengyun is a fraud with no blood relation. Besides, she schemes cunningly. I cannot allow the vast wealth of the Marquis’s estate to fall into her hands.”

“As for Chu Xi, she has only just come back. Father and mother merely want to use her, regardless of her well-being. So even if she covets the estate, she doesn’t stand a chance against me.”

Spring Bud stood there, stunned, staring at Chu Yue. She had never realized that her young mistress, only sixteen, actually intended to seize the entire fortune of the Marquis’s estate.

The shock made Spring Bud’s insides churn. “But Second Miss, there is still the eldest young master. What if he returns?”

Chu Yue lifted her teacup again. “Whether my elder brother can come back is another matter. Even if he returns, he has a title to inherit and won’t be left empty-handed. In the future, there will be no worries. We siblings will each have our rightful share—fair and square.”

Spring Bud nodded, secretly relieved that the eldest young master would not be left with nothing.

Chu Yue continued, “My wedding is approaching. The Imperial Censor’s family has three sons. My future husband, the eldest son, I’m not sure if he is reliable. He won’t have a title to inherit either. If I marry into that family, I must look out for myself.”

“So using the Marquis’s vast fortune as my leverage is my backup. It is the foundation and support for me to solidify my position as the mistress in my husband’s household.”

Spring Bud asked, “Then why did your face change just now, Second Miss? You looked so frightened.”

Chu Yue sighed lightly. “I fear Chu Xi is doomed again this time. Father and mother intend to use her as a bargaining chip to bring our brother back.”

Spring Bud was puzzled. “But Eldest Miss isn’t a son. How can she replace the eldest young master guarding the border?”

Chu Yue smiled at her naïve girl. “Our elder brother was sent to the far north, stationed there for three years without return, because the emperor is punishing father for opposing the new crown prince back then. Chu Xi’s role now is to make the Empress Dowager and the emperor drop their grudges against father, to reconcile and regain trust and responsibility.”

Spring Bud’s young face showed helplessness. Though she didn’t fully understand, she felt sympathy and worry for Chu Xi.

“I think Qian Mengyun didn’t gain any advantage in front of the eldest miss today, and she’s even more a defeated player before Second Miss.”

Chu Yue smiled. “Foolish girl, how do you know Qian Mengyun isn’t just pretending before father and mother?”

Spring Bud felt overwhelmed and shook her head before turning to leave.

***

The next morning.

Chu Xi had just finished washing when Wang Mu came into the courtyard.

“Caiping, has the lady risen yet?”

Seeing him, Caiping smiled and called out, “The lady asked you to come in.”

Wang Mu hurried inside, his face full of urgency.

Chu Xi asked, “What’s the matter? Is someone from the Marquis’s household giving you trouble?”

Wang Mu shook his head. “Miss, I just overheard the footmen outside reporting to the main hall that two members of the Qian family have arrived, wanting to see you.”

Chu Xi chuckled softly. “Heh, those two at the front met me yesterday already. Now it’s time for them to make their appearance.”